Head of Quality (f/m/d)

About Rocket Factory Augsburg

Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) is dedicated to creating affordable, adaptable, and dependable access to space, focusing on building small launch vehicles to deploy satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and beyond. We aim to lead Europe's New Space movement to enhance life on Earth.

About the Team

Join our international and agile team as Head of Quality, where you will define and implement quality strategies and scalable quality processes for intricate space systems. This role is crucial for enabling consistent mass production and ensuring top-tier quality, safety, and customer satisfaction in a vibrant New Space setting.

Main Responsibilities

• Design and execute company-wide quality strategies to standardize and improve manufacturing and integration processes.
• Lead and develop the Quality Department, promoting a sustainable quality culture across all levels.
• Create and maintain a scalable Quality Management System (QMS), continuously optimizing its effectiveness.
• Standardize processes, inspections, approvals, and documentation across development, manufacturing, and integration operations.
• Ensure full compliance with aerospace standards, regulations, customer requirements, and internal policies.
• Own quality metrics and reporting frameworks, using data-driven methods to monitor and enhance process quality.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement preventive and corrective actions to prevent defects and quality problems.
• Oversee internal and external audits, including those by customers and regulatory bodies, ensuring corrective actions are tracked and completed.
• Manage complaint resolution, non-conformance issues, and change processes, including root cause analysis and sustainable improvements.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Production, Procurement, Supply Chain, and Project Management to ensure compliance, repeatability, and quality-focused workflows.
• Lead industrialization by introducing standardized procedures, digital quality tools, and automated inspection/testing technologies.
• Serve as the primary Quality representative to customers, partners, auditors, and regulators.
• Support company growth by developing robust quality processes supporting future production scale.

Required Qualifications

• Several years in senior Quality Management roles within regulated, high-tech industrial sectors.
• Proven success in developing, deploying, and enhancing Quality Management Systems in complex technical environments.
• Skill in translating quality strategies into effective operational processes.
• Strong knowledge of quality methodologies, metrics, risk assessment, and continuous improvement practices.
• Experience leading teams and collaborating cross-functionally with Engineering, Production, and Project Management.
• In-depth understanding of relevant standards, regulatory requirements, and auditing procedures in regulated industries.
• Excellent analytical, structured, and solution-focused work style.
• Outstanding communication and influence abilities to foster a quality-oriented company culture.
• Fluent in German and English, both spoken and written.

Preferred Qualifications

• Aerospace industry experience in satellite, space, or advanced manufacturing fields.
• Familiarity with aerospace standards like EN 9100, ECSS, or similar frameworks.
• Background in building and scaling Quality teams in growth stage or scale-up environments.
• Experience with digital Quality Management Systems and data analytics tools.
• Expertise in industrializing complex products from development to serial production.

Benefits

• Work in a dynamic international New Space startup atmosphere
• Flexible working hours to fit personal needs
• One day per week home office for full-time staff
• Access to health programs including EGYM Wellpass
• 30 days annual leave plus special leave days
• Regular company and team events to foster team culture
• Complimentary parking for bicycles and cars

Additional Information

Become part of a team of 300+ colleagues from over 40 countries, taking ownership and contributing to making space access more attainable. Applications are welcome in German or English.